Where Rivers Part by Kellie Coates Gilbert - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Success too often comes with a price. Juliet never imagined it could be so high.
Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her considerable scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions--and affording her plenty of perks along the way. It's not the path her estranged father would have her take, but then Juliet finds it difficult to maintain respect for a man she cannot trust. She's on her way up in the world, and she's not going to let anything drag her down.

But when a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal, lives are at risk--including those of some of the people closest to her. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with the one who has hurt her most in order to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.

Like a mighty river with twists and turns and hidden rocks, this engrossing story will sweep you relentlessly along as it fearlessly explores the seduction of success, the fear of giving up control, and the redemptive power of learning to forgive.

My Thoughts:

“If ever Juliet needed God it was now.” (p.262)

Where Rivers Part is a very different story than I was expecting.   I read the synopsis, sure, but I was blown away by the depth of character development and the rich layering of plot lines that seems to weave back and forth like the fragile strength of a spider’s web – drawing you in with its beauty and capturing your imagination and refusing to let go!  What an intricate story line!

Juliet is not a character I cared for at the outset.  Her choices, her demeanor, pretty much everything about her repelled me.  When things started to go south, I almost wanted to say, “Serves you right!”  That’s pretty cold, right?  Her buddy Greer was a slick shyster from the beginning.  I didn’t like anything about him either.  I had very strong gut reactions to all of Gilbert’s characters!  Loved Julia’s mom and her strength and faith.  She was the polar opposite of Julia’s dad – a true picture of mercy and grace.

And the family dynamic….that was painful to read.  Necessary to understand the force driving the characters, but man!  There is just so much in this book!  The medical drama, the race to find answers, the scientific nuances and implications….so much!  Yet Gilbert creates a story that is both intriguing and redemptive while keeping you glued to the pages!

The cover art is rather deceptive so don’t be deterred by that picture.  What lies within the pages of this story is far deeper and complex than the cover reveals!  Don’t miss this outstanding story!

About the Author:

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider's view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of relationships in her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances. The author of Mother of Pearl, she currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.